Reducing the cost of energy

Dr Franck Zhang, Head of Product Strategy and Marketing, Trina Solar, talks about the significance of the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)-oriented principle, the performance of 600 W+ modules, new technology trends and responding strategies, and the company’s strategic positioning and planning.

Dr Franck Zhang

The Singapore Engineer (TSE): What is the strategic significance of the LCOE-oriented principle to Trina Solar?

Dr Franck Zhang (FZ): The LCOE-oriented principle is a result of our real-world experience. The development of the solar industry proves that high power, high efficiency, high energy yield and high reliability, or ‘the four keys’, as we call them, are essential for reducing LCOE. We hope to boost R&D and commercialisation of products that meet the LCOE-oriented principle, for high-quality and sustainable development of the PV industry.

TSE: What are the advantages of 600 W+ modules, in terms of energy yield, from a full life cycle perspective, and what does the empirical test data indicate?

FZ: The energy yield advantage of 600 W+ modules comes from their excellent, low irradiation performance. We consider an irradiance range lower than 1,000 W/m2 as low irradiation, because the standard test conditions (STC) are based on an irradiance range of 1,000 W/m2 . Globally, we selected outdoor test sites from high, middle, and low latitudes. Results show that the energy yield of 600 W+ modules is superior to that of reference modules – with an increase of 1.4% to 2.24%, at 800 W/m2, and about 0.8% between 800 W/m2 to 1,000 W/m2. If the irradiation range is above 1,000 W/m2, there is no obvious gap in energy yield between 600 W+ modules and reference modules. As in typical regions of the world, the irradiation range is less than 1,000 W/m2, about 90% to 99% of the time, and 600 W+ modules have the edge in energy yield, in most areas. A comprehensive analysis shows that 600 W+ modules have a gain of 1.5% to 1.8% in energy yield over regular 500 W+ modules.

TSE: Could you talk about the efforts that Trina Solar has made to meet the LCOE-oriented principle?

FZ: In terms of module reliability, we conducted static mechanical load tests and five other rigorous tests, to verify the mechanical performance of 600 W+ modules under extreme conditions. Modules are expected to be in service, reliably, for 25 or even 30 years, which guarantees continuous power generation and LCOE reduction. In terms of energy yield, we have conducted empirical tests at different latitudes, covering different irradiation ranges and climates worldwide. In terms of the ecosystem, as an initiator of the 600 W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance, we have been implementing the concept of open innovation and collaborative development, connecting core links from R&D and manufacturing, to application, overcoming numerous challenges in the industry and accelerating the industrialisation of 600 W+ modules. We have about 100 partners on 600 W+. The LCOE-oriented principle will not only drive Trina Solar to develop products and technologies, but also facilitate the development of industry partners.

TSE: What cell technology does Trina Solar use in 600 W+ products? Could you also elaborate on the ‘210 technology platform’?

FZ: Two-hundred and ten refers to the size of the solar cell. Squareshaped 210 solar cells measure 210 mm by 210 mm. We are also using PERC technology, and the module

Advent of the 600 W+ PV modules

Low-carbon development has become a global megatrend. The International Renewable Energy Agency forecasts that solar PV capacity will reach a total of more than 14,000 GW by 2050, in a scenario where carbon emissions are reduced sufficiently to cap the increase in global warming to 1.5° C. Solar energy’s key advantage over conventional sources of energy is its ability to help the planet transition away from fossil fuels as well as reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). According to BloombergNEF, solar LCOE has fallen 84% over the past 10 years. Trina Solar’s Vertex 600 W+ module is a product that fully meets the four keys to unlocking low LCOE – high power, high efficiency, high energy yield and high reliability. Almost all top solar companies have developed 600 W+ products, as evidenced in recent events, such as Intersolar South America and Intersolar Europe, with about 30 companies exhibiting more than forty 600 W+ modules. With various products on the market, the solar sector has entered the 600 W+ era. Listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Trina Solar is a leading international PV and smart energy total solutions provider.

power can reach 660 W to 670 W. With mass production of N-type TOPCon modules, the power can increase to 680 W to 690 W. Combined with Heterojunction Technology (HJT), in the future, it could reach 700 W+. We call it the 210 technology platform because it is compatible with most cutting-edge cell technologies, including HJT. Almost 90% of HJT companies choose our 210 technology platform. We believe that it will also be compatible with perovskite and other tandem solar cells in the future. Trina Solar has shipped more than 30 GW of 210 modules worldwide, with the industry as a whole shipping more than 50 GW by June this year. Total shipments of 210 modules are expected to reach 80 GW by the end of the year.

TSE: When do you expect 600 W+ modules to become a mainstream product in the market?

FZ: According to third-party forecasts, the market share for 600 W+ modules will exceed 50% in the second half of 2024 or 2025. In China, 600W+ products are used in all applications, at both utility-scale and in distributed applications. In overseas markets, 600 W+ modules are used in almost all utility-scale projects. Trina Solar has supplied 600 W+ modules to a number of GW-level utility power stations, with a presence throughout Latin America, Europe and elsewhere, in commercial and industrial markets, helping many industries to attain low carbon emission goals.

TSE: Many companies have 700 W+ modules using HJT technology. How does Trina Solar see the competition with new technology products, and what is Trina Solar’s strategy?

FZ: Trina Solar is ready with a large supply capacity in terms of TOPCon and PERC technologies. With the 210 technology platform, we are not in competition with HJT but rather in a complementary relationship. We also have new technologies in the pipeline. The schedule of their industrialisation will be determined by company strategy, market demand and future investment plans. As technology advances, module power will continue to increase – which is an inevitable trend. We believe that 600 W+ is an important phase. 700 W+ modules may become mainstream, three years from now. The 210 technology platform is compatible with a variety of leading cell technologies. Most companies can adapt it to reduce iteration costs and open up new tracks for industry development. Trina Solar has N-type products which are also created on the 210 technology platform, and mass production power will reach 680 W to 690 W – which is more competitive. We would like to share our LCOE-oriented principle with the industry. We look forward to working with our partners, especially PV module manufacturers, to further reduce LCOE and make contributions to the goal of carbon neutrality.